By Julie L. Rhodes / Collective impact director, Reconnecting to Our Waterways
Reconnecting to Our Waterways announces a new initiative to encourage individuals, groups and families to safely visit and explore all six of Indianapolis’ major waterways – Fall Creek, Little Eagle Creek, White River, Central Canal, Pogue’s Run and Pleasant Run.
The first 50 who visit all six before Oct. 31 and post to social media with the hashtag #IndyWaterwaysChallenge will earn a colorful “Exploration & Celebration Along Our Waterways“ T-shirt.
Visitors can use ROW’s interactive Exploration Guide for a self-guided tour of six waterway communities and all the fun that can be found along the way. Go to ourwaterways.org/get-involved/explore.
From the Central Canal’s new tow path extension to Pleasant Run’s Spruce Bridge art installation to White River’s Urban Wilderness Trail butterfly paths, there are many things to do and see along our waterways. Now is the perfect time to explore the trails and greenways, the parks and business centers, natural spaces and neighborhoods, that traverse our Indy waterways.
With the Guide, you can:
Check out new signage that highlight the history, ecology, and/or culture of our waterway landscapes.
Explore beautiful and often hidden spaces for quiet reflection, immerse yourself in artwork, enjoy the seating, and take in some incredible viewsheds, and witness the nature that thrives in and around our waterways.
Take a picnic with family, a bike ride with friends, a walk with your pup, or a book to read as you discover our waterways.
Tell a friend or co-worker about Indy’s six waterways – Central Canal, Fall Creek, Little Eagle Creek, Pleasant Run, Pogue’s Run, and White River – and the adventures that await.
The #IndyWaterwaysChallenge is for everyone, and we encourage those of all ages and abilities to be a part. Most of our Indy greenways like the White River, Pleasant Run and Fall Creek trails are accessible for the disabled in locations from designated parking areas. And, many area also accessible by IndyGo and the Pacers Bikeshare.
Those who prefer a hard copy of the Guide can find a printed map to take an exploration, at these locations:
Fall Creek
– City View
– Free Wheelin Community Bikes
– Goose the Market
– Indianapolis Cultural Trail Office
Pogue’s Run
– Centerpoint Brewing
– Circle City Industrial Complex
– Dorman Street Saloon
– Fletcher Park Office
– Spades Park Library
– 8th Day Distillery
Pleasant Run
– Southeast Neighborhood Development Office
– Garfield Park Library
– Christian Park Community Center
– Pride Park Building
White River
– National Institute of Fitness & Sports
– White River State Park Visitors Center
– Haughville Library
Central Canal
– The Learning Tree
– Groundwork Indy
Little Eagle Creek
– Eagle Branch Library
– El Puerto De San Blas
– Georgetown Market
– Indianapolis Healthplex
– International Marketplace Coalition
– Little Eagle Creek Nursery & Landscape
ROW’s Healthy Connections Element Committee has organized this summer-long challenge. Partners include Jump In for Healthy Kids, Central Indiana Community Foundation, Community Health Network Foundation, Near Eastside Area Renewal, Crooked Creek Indy, Central Indiana Land Trust, Health by Design and Indy Parks.
More information about ROW and its mission and impact can be found at https://ourwaterways.org
Three easy steps
1) Take a photo along any of ROW’s six waterways;
2) Post the photo on social media with #IndyWaterwaysChallenge; and
3) Complete the form to receive your T-shirt.
